A/N: Thanks to magicteen for giving me the idea to write Harry's POV. :)

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She used to be a little girl. Ron's sister. That's it. When did she grow up?

I can see her across the room, her nose in a book. The sunlight peeking through the window catches her hair, and it sets my heart on fire.

It's not supposed to be like this. What would Ron say if he knew? I've been hiding these feelings all year, ever since I saw her – I mean really saw her – on the train. If she were any other girl, I wouldn't be lying to Ron. If she were any other girl, I wouldn't have this fear of betraying my best friend.

But I don't want just any other girl. I want her.

She's become the reason I wake up in the morning. The reason I struggle through these Tasks. I would rather die than see disappointment in her eyes.

She used to worship me. Even Ron admitted it. And it was cute, something a child would do, a little girl in awe of her hero. But now… now she's indifferent. She practically ignores me in the corridors. I'll say hello just to get a smile, but does she know what I really want to say? Does she know that her mere presence consumes me? That I long to touch her hand, kiss her cheek? Shout from the highest tower that I love her more than life itself?

What if I just walk up to her and tell her? What would she say?

Is it too late? Have I sabotaged it by not recognizing her true worth until now? If I had paid more attention to her in the beginning, instead of just being flattered by her hero-worship, would things be different? Would I be sitting next to her, holding her hand, instead of sitting with Ron playing chess, distracted by her beauty?

How can I let her know what I'm feeling?

Just go. Tell her now. Blurt it out and feel the release.

What would Ron say? What would he do? Does it even matter?

I'm torn between my best friend and the only girl I've ever really loved. How can I choose? Why should I have to?

Maybe I should just let Ron punch me in the face and get it out of my system. At least then I wouldn't be hiding it from him anymore. Maybe eventually he'd even accept that I'm in love with his sister and I'd have a chance…

Or maybe I'm just kidding myself. I don't even know if she feels the same way. If I tell her how I feel and she looks at me with pity in her eyes, I wouldn't be able to stand it. My reason for being would be gone.

I know she's worth the risk. She's the most amazing girl I've ever known. She completes me. She makes me want to take another breath, keep on living.

I just have to find the courage. The irony doesn't escape me. I'm praised for my bravery in the face of danger, but the thought of baring my heart and soul to a beautiful girl strips it away, leaving me hovering behind my need for self-preservation.

I take a deep breath. I could do it now. Just walk over to her and tell her I want to talk.

Come on, Harry. Just do it.

Suddenly Ron calls my name. It's my move. Bloody chess game.

One last glance at her enchanting face.

Maybe tomorrow.

Fin

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